Tragedy struck in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State as three worshippers recently freed from captivity died while returning from their abductors’ forest hideout.
The victims were among more than 38 worshippers seized on December 14, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro‑Kiri during a Sunday service.
The attackers demanded millions of naira in ransom.
Community spokesperson David Ampitan confirmed that seven abductees were released over the weekend after what he described as “painful ransom payments.”
He said three of them died shortly after regaining freedom, including an elderly woman whose body had not yet been recovered. The remaining four are receiving treatment in hospital.
Ampitan lamented worsening insecurity in Bunu land and accused authorities of negligence. He urged urgent intervention to secure the release of the remaining 31 captives and prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Government and Community Response
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal elements. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo said security agencies were actively tracking the kidnappers and conducting operations to rescue all victims.
Meanwhile, youths in Kabba staged a protest on January 2, 2026, blocking the Kabba–Obajana–Lokoja highway to express anger over rising insecurity. Police later dispersed the demonstrators.
Efforts to obtain comments from the state police command were unsuccessful.
The 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, reported killing three bandits and arresting a logistics supplier during separate operations in Kabba/Bunu and Yagba West LGAs.
Acting assistant spokesperson Lt. Hassan Abdullahi said troops laid an ambush along a known bandit crossing route between Adankolo and Agbadu Bunu.
Two bandits were neutralised during the encounter. Another was killed in a patrol around Saminaka village in Yagba West after intelligence indicated bandit movements.
The army also arrested a suspected logistics supplier, Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village.
He was caught on farmland in Saminaka with supplies including cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and farm produce.
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